The Ebonyi South in Diaspora Group has hailed Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state for their proactive efforts which have strengthened democracy at the grassroots.
Barr Oko Ewa Enyim,, a Former Legal Adviser of the APC in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi, made the commendation while speaking with newsmen, noting that the party has been repositioned to become a political hotbed in the state especially at the grassroots.
The renowned lawyer said that the APC remains the only party in the state that have shown seriousness in participating in the forthcoming Local Government Area (LGA) polls in the state.
“Since the release of the election’s timetable by the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC), the APC has gone full swing in ensuring that it participates and win the election with a landslide.
“The party has released its own time table, purchase of forms for both the chairmanship and councillorship already dusted while primaries have been held for both categories of positions.
“The people already have idea of those who would lead them at the various councils and this is truly democracy in action.”
He defended the endorsement of candidates by the governor ,noting that it remains one of the strongest instruments for entrenching internal democracy, unity within political organisation.
“This poignant administrative approach has effectively prevented internal bickering, checked political tension and sustained the prevailing peace in the state especially at the grassroots.
“This approach ensures that the collective interest of the party and the state supercedes any personal inclination and should be seen as an act of statesmanship from the governor.
“You know that the APC in the state witnessed influx of people into the party and if such measures were not employed, implosion would not totally be ruled out and it would not be healthy at this stage.
Enyim also commended Governor Nwifuru and the Nigerian Army for inaugurating the southeastern Nigerian Army Training Depot (NATD) at the boundary between Amasiri in Afikpo North LGA and Amangwu in Edda LGA of the state
Enyim said it was gratifying that the essence of the depot was to boost regional training and also improve operational readiness, troop strength particularly in the Southeast.
He quoted the Chief of Army Staff as saying that the depot would serve as the third army training hub in the country and would expand training capacity and improve geographic coverage.
“Over 3, 000 personnel according to the army chief, would be brought into the training depot, they are already in training and should start work immediately.
He congratulated Governor over the establishment of the depot and expressed optimism that it would go a long way to curb crime in the south East zone and Nigeria in general.
“People of the communities where the depot is situated should cooperate with the state government and the army to ensure that the aims of establishing the depot are realized.”
